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Meet Reece, my first Assemblage Art apprentice!

May 17th, 2009 in blog, member junk     
TGTG Jenny Kompolt, contributor
6 users recommend
Reece is the son of a great gal I work with and is a budding artist. I’ve taken him under my wing to teach him assemblage art and we’re having a great time. My long-term dream is to be able to work with kids to use art as a way to build self esteem and expression.
I put together a couple boxes of some cool stuff from my lab and sent it special delivery via his mom, Geri. Fresh out of the pool, Reece and his equally awesome brother Jess dove in. By the way, Jess gave me his wagon to pull my treasures around the junkyards and flea markets.
Geri said that look of excitement was not staged!
A creation.
Deep in creative thought...
Thats a pretty amazing robot! Look at the sense of accomplishment in his face.
Reece is the son of a great gal I work with and is a budding artist. I’ve taken him under my wing to teach him assemblage art and we’re having a great time. My long-term dream is to be able to work with kids to use art as a way to build self esteem and expression.

Reece is the son of a great gal I work with and is a budding artist. I’ve taken him under my wing to teach him assemblage art and we’re having a great time.

My long-term dream is to be able to work with kids to use art as a way to build self esteem and expression.
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Reece is the son of a great gal I work with and is a budding artist. I’ve taken him under my wing to teach him assemblage art and we’re having a great time.

My long-term dream is to be able to work with kids to use art as a way to build self esteem and expression.


Pattern or design used: My own design
posted in: blog, member junk, artwork
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Comments (17)

klockert writes: Amen to everything that was posted here! I am a retired art teacher, and your comments have inspired me! Best wishes, Karen Posted: 1:35 pm on June 6th
Dee_in_Englewood writes: Passing on creativity and the ability to reuse things, to repurpose items and keep them from the landfill; what a lovely gift!! Posted: 6:27 pm on May 29th
bridiemurphy writes: Ahhhhh....a budding robotist! robartist?

We've done a booth at the school spring festival for the past two years...it's always a HIT...boys and girls!

I'm computer challenged of late, can't get my photos into the right file size. Tons of ideas to share with you regarding children involvement with assemblage art. Posted: 11:18 am on May 24th
junkermidge writes: Reece and his creation are wonderful! Kids are so creative, I love to see them in action. It's awesome what you are trying to do with the classes. The guest artist for a day in schools would be a good plan. And homeschool groups are always looking for field trip ideas. You also might contact a local Big Brother/Sister program and set aside a day for groups to come in, they are always looking for cheap activities (maybe a local company could cover the cost -- especially if they get some PR from it). Keep up the good work!
Midge Posted: 9:10 am on May 23rd
monakent writes: THANKS Jenny! I guess I worry about kids using the "good stuff" in case they accidentally touch the glue and then rub their eyes (truth be told, I actually did that the first time I used Gorilla glue......I thought I was going to go blind!!!!!).

Interesting there was no glue used in the boys'artwork...

Also thought about a great idea to get classes going, IF you can get your local newspaper to agree to it..... you could have an article written about what you do with the kids and show a few kids with their finished projects. If you would offer classes that way, I am SURE they would fill up in no time! Keep me posted. I am so into this and happy for you, that you have found a way to help kids be creative.

You go girl!!!!
gailmarie Posted: 7:39 pm on May 19th
TGTG writes: Thank you so much for your comments! I appreciate it very much and I know Reece does too. He and his family were SO excited - they called every relative and told them to go to JMS site and take a look!

Monakent, you asked about glue... he didn't use any for these creations but when he does, he works with his mom and uses Gorilla Glue. I would imagine some forms of paste would be ok - especially when the items aren't overly heavy.

I like the art teacher for a day idea. I also thought working with the Boys & Girls clubs or Girls Inc. Lots of potential here!

Thanks again for letting us share :-)

JennyK
Posted: 2:59 pm on May 19th
CottageElements writes: Jenny, what a great endeavor! And like was already stated, this is much better for kids than video games and TV. He did a great job, too! I love seeing them start out so young!

Lani Posted: 1:05 am on May 19th
shabbychick writes: Jenny - What a wonderful thing to do - and a great way to fuel creativity in a young person! The excitement really comes through in the pictures - Great job, Reece!

Thanks for sharing!

Kathy Posted: 4:36 pm on May 18th
monakent writes: Jenny,
I LOVE what you have done for your friend Geri's sons - letting them create true works of art!!! As one who went to school originally to become an art teacher, I know the importance of letting kids create. Let them use their imagination, and this can lead to great things as they grow up. (By the way, I can only guess their friends are pretty jealous of Reece and Jess by now and want to get working on their own sculptures...am I right?????). :o)

The projects here turned out SUPER!!! I am curious as to the glue they used for their projects. I have a 6 year old nephew and 9 year old niece I have been doing projects with since they were about 1 1/2 years old. The next time they come over for a sleep over, I would love to let them loose in my junk and let them create a project of their own. However, I am not too sure if I should let them use the Gorilla, cement or hot glues I have, or stick with something less harmful to kids. Any thoughts???

Again, thanks for doing this and reminding us all how kids love to create. I can WAIT to show my niece and nephew these pictures and start letting them go to it!!!

Best of luck with this new endevour. I hope you get your wish really soon. I may suggest checking with your recreation department in town. They are always looking for art teachers for the summer months (it may be too late to get into the summer program, but fall and winter may work - once word gets out on you, the classes will probably fill up fast). I did this for years growing up and enjoyed it. If that doesn't work for you, you could contact your area schools and see if they would let you come in as an art teacher for a day or more. Just show them your pictures and provide them with your game plan. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Wishing you well,
gailmarie

Posted: 12:56 pm on May 18th
Tuttibelle writes: This allows them to see knew solutions for problems, be curious about the world around them and enjoy art at the same time. Posted: 10:25 am on May 18th
suewhitney writes: Hey Jenny...

Bravo for teaching the little ones to be creative with recycled materials. This message is good on so many levels! As Upyourattic said kids are into TV and video game and this gives them a much healthier outlet. Reece is ADORABLE and looks very pleased with his creation...as he should be! Way to go girl!

Take care,
Sue Posted: 8:59 am on May 18th
Christina_S writes: Very nice to see youth being created, Reese has made a wonderful piece, such a cool looking robot guy! Posted: 3:40 am on May 18th
JunkArchitect writes: I think your art mentoring is a fantastic idea and should be part of every school curriculum. The sad thing is the first classes to get cut are usually art, woodshop and other creative programs.
Reece, you did an incredible job…keep building!

Jim Posted: 9:21 pm on May 17th
piecesofthepast writes: He looks like he's ready to create!! Have you ever looked into becoming an art therapist?? They do exactly what your goal is! I worked in a school where one would come ever so often and work with a certain group of kids. They have a cool job, I think! Posted: 7:12 pm on May 17th
alicemom writes: Reese, You did a fabulous job! I would be proud to display in my studio!
Jenny are you Available for big people mentoring! Great job to you too!!
smiles,
Alice Posted: 2:34 pm on May 17th
catbishop writes: Excellent assemblage Reece!!!!!!

I am very impressed, looks like he should be on Lost in Space.

:)Cat Posted: 11:38 am on May 17th
upyourattic writes: That boy is adorable and his work is wonderful!

How great it is for you to mentor them by encouraging their creative side ~ especially now when many kids only want to play video games and watch TV.

Kudos to you and the boys! Thanks for sharing.

Patti
Posted: 11:30 am on May 17th
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